PM inaugurates new Gilgit airport terminal

GILGIT: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the new terminal building of the Gilgit airport, designed to handle the extended capacity of the passengers.

The Prime Minister who arrived here on his first visit to the Gilgit Baltistan was warmly received at the airport by Governor GB Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, members of the GB Council and senior officials.

Two children presented a bouquet to the Prime Minister. He was also presented the traditional gown.

He was briefed about the new terminal building and he visited different sections of the new terminal. He directed that good care be taken of the new building.

The project, completed at a cost of Rs148 million comprising new terminal building and basic facilities like a separate lounge for women, conveyer belt, airconditioners, fire detection system and Internet facility. The new building of Gilgit airport terminal will provide basic amenities to facilitate local and foreign tourists.

Earlier Director Airport Services said Gilgit was a great attraction for tourists from across the country and the world. He said the old terminal building could only handle around 40 passengers, but with the growing number of tourists, it can now easily take care of around 180 passengers. He said four counters have also been set-up for speedy handling of passengers, besides the system of flight enquiry.

He said Gilgit has received 16,813 domestic tourists and 2,279 foreign tourists during 2013, besides 140 trekking and 17 expedition parties.